Hyderabad is a city in Sindh, a province of Pakistan (also formerly known as Neroon Kot). Formerly the capital of Sindh and known as the city of perfumes, it is now a regional headquarter of the district of Hyderabad. It was formerly known as (before the creation of Pakistan), the Paris of India for its roads used to be washed with perfume everyday. The regional and political boundaries stage the city as a district.

Genesis

Hyderabad is a city of Hillocks. Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro of the Kalhoro Dynasty founded the city in 1768. The Hyderabad city was then named Nehrun Kot and was called the heart of the Mehran . Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro loved the city so much that in 1768, he ordered a fort to be built on one of the three hills of Hyderabad to house and defend his people. The fort since then is called the Pacca Qilla or the Strong fort.

The Talpur Rule

After the death of the great Kalhoro, started the Talpur Rule . Mir Fateh Ali Khan Talpur left his capital Khudabad , the Land of God and made Hyderabad his capital in 1789. He made the Pacca Qilla his residence and also held his courts there.

Mir Fateh Ali Khan Talpur alongwith his three other brothers were responsible for the affairs that persisted in the city of Hyderabad in the years of their kingdom. The four were called Char Yar , urdu for Four friends.

The Talpur rule lasted almost over 50 years and in 1843, Talpurs faced a greater threat. The British came face-to-face with the Talpurs at the Battle of Miani on 17^th February, 1843. It is said that even in Rigor Mortis the Ameers (Mirs - leaders) held their swords high fighting the British. The battle ended on 24^th March where the Mirs lost and the city came into the hands of the British.

The British Colonial Rule

The British demolished most of the buildings around to accommodate their troops and their military stores. Hyderabad lost its glory. No longer were the roads covered with perfume. In 1857, when the First War of Indian Independence raged across the sub-continent, the British held most of their regiments and ammunition in this city.

Geography and Society

Located at 25.367°N lattitude and 68.367°E longitude with an elevation of 13m about sea-level, Hyderabad is roughly 150 kilometers aways from Karachi, the capital of the province. Hyderabad is the 2nd largest city in Sindh, 8th largest in Pakistan and 209th largest city of the world with respect to population. Its population estimates to 1,348,288 (as of 2000). Two of Pakistan's largest highways, the Indus Highway and the National Highway join at Hyderabad.

Several towns surrounding the city include Kotri (6.7 km), Jamshoro (8.1 km) and Husri (7.5 km).

Education

Hyderabad is home to a number of the universities and colleges of Pakistan. Although three universities - Mehran, Sindh and Liaqat - are in Jamshoro, a city 15 kilometers from Hyderabad, and Sindh Agricultural University Tando Jam is 17 kilometers away, these institutions are deemed to be a part of the city of Hyderabad. Some of the universities are:

1. University of Sindh (www.usindh.edu.pk)
2. Mehran University (www.muet.edu.pk)
3. Liaquat Univesity of Medical Health and Sciences
4. Isra University

External link

• Images of Hyderabad